Noto in The White Lotus

The multi-award-winning television series The White Lotus: Season Two featured Noto and attracted tens of thousands of new visitors to Sicily. This weekend, fans and those curious to know what all the fuss is about can watch The White Lotus: Season Three as it starts streaming on HBO.

Screenwriter & Producer Mike White

The White Lotus was created by screenwriter and producer Mike White when American TV Platform HBO reached out to him for an idea that could be filmed during COVID restrictions.

Mike White is known for his satire and social commentary and created a black comedy about the guests and employees of the fictional White Lotus luxury holiday resorts.

The White Lotus: Season One

Season One was filmed in Hawaii, following strict COVID restrictions. It explores the themes of wealth and privilege and stars Murray Bartlett, Connie Britton and Alexandra Daddario.

The White Lotus: Season Two

Season Two moved to Europe and was filmed in the beautiful hilltop town of Taormina, Sicily, which overlooks the Ionian Sea. It explores themes of desire and sex, and the cast includes Jennifer Coolidge (again), Tom Hollander and Adam DiMarco.

In episode three, Daphne (Meghann Fahy) and Harper (Aubrey Plaza) take a girls' trip to discover beautiful Noto. One scene is shot outside the Church of San Francis of Assisi and the Immaculate Conception (or Chiesa Di San Francesco d’Assisi all’Immacolata).

Harper suddenly becomes aware that she is being gazed upon by Sicilian men from the stairs, terrace and all around her. This scene mirrors and pays homage to a scene in the Italian drama L'Avventura from 1960, which was also filmed in Noto.

Midway through their trip, they announce they are staying overnight and enjoying a beautiful Palazzolo to make their husbands jealous. Back in Taormina, their husbands get revenge by partying all night with a couple of local girls.

Noto Infiorata 2023

The Noto Flower festival (or infiorata) closes street Nicola (or Via Nicolaci) and flower petals are laid to form multiple images following the years theme.. The 2023 theme was TV and Film and amongst other productions celebrated The White Lotus.

The Stars in Noto

While taking an alfresco aperitivo one evening in downtown Noto, I saw a number of The White Lotus stars, including Michael Imperioli and F. Murray Abraham.

The White Lotus: Season Three

Season Three moves to Asia and is filmed in Thailand. It explores themes of death and spirituality and stars include Walton Goggins, Natasha Rothwell and Lisa, a member of the K-pop girl group Blackpink.

Mike White speaking to Entertainment Weekly said, “It's going to be a supersized White Lotus. It's going to be longer, more significant, crazier. I don't know what people will think, but I am super excited, so at least for my own barometer, that's a good thing.

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After delays due to the writers strikes The White Lotus Season Three will finally be released on 16 February 2025.